Why Does Chelsea Want Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka?
Key takeaways
- Sports Money Why Does Chelsea Want Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka?By Graham Ruthven,
- Xabi Alonso will arrive as Chelsea’s new manager this summer and the club is making moves in the transfer market.
- (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)Getty ImagesXhaka was one of the best midfielders in the Premier League last season as Sunderland defied all expectations to finish seventh, three places above Chelsea.
Sports Money Why Does Chelsea Want Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka?By Graham Ruthven,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I am a soccer writer based in the United Kingdom Follow Author Jun 29, 2026, 01:13am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES - JUNE 18: Granit Xhaka of Switzerland during the World Cup match between Switzerland v Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Los Angeles Stadium on June 18, 2026 in Los Angeles United States (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThis summer is already shaping up to be a transformational one for Chelsea. It’s needed. The Blues finished a lowly 10th in the Premier League table last season. The Stamford Bridge club went through three different managers as it struggled for any sort of positive traction over the course of the 2026/27 campaign.
Xabi Alonso will arrive as Chelsea’s new manager this summer and the club is making moves in the transfer market. Marco Palestra is expected to join from Atalanta to give Alonso another wide option, but perhaps the most surprising development so far is the Blues’ reported interest in Granit Xhaka.